I LOVE, LOVE the book, The Great Gatsby. I’ve loved it ever since I was first introduced to it in high school. Fabulous 1920s fashion, extravagant parties, free moral climate, Prohibition, gangsters, excess prosperity, and female independence–that’s how I remember the book. I loved reading about the lavish, classy parties that Jay Gatsby hosted for his guests and ladies. Since then, I’ve wanted to host a party of my own, reminiscent of the Roaring 20s charm and glamour.
Some ideas for the perfect 1920s soiree:
Decor:
- lots of white and cream hues
- string twinkle lights snaked around the trees
- large white tents in the courtyard
- gentle candlelight with tea lights in mason jars on tables
- tiki torches
- place card holders in the shape of cigarette holders with name cards tied around them
- circular dance floor
- crystal chandeliers
Food+Drinks:
- served on fancy, silver platters
- glistening array of hors d’oeuvres: mini crabcakes, crudités, shrimp cocktail, stuffed mushrooms, cucumber watercress sandwiches, deviled eggs, cabbage rolls
- desserts: fruit tarts, Angel food cake, bread pudding, chocolate-covered cherries
- cocktails: martinis, mint juleps, sidecars, champagne
- buffet tables with a separate bar station
Music:
- live orchestra
- cocktail music with saxophone and percussion beats in the background
- jingly jazz from Louis Armstrong, Parisian accordion music, gypsy jazz from Django Reinhardt, and fancy-free compositions from Cole Porter
- Charleston/Foxtrot/Waltz music
- vintage record player
Attire:
- women: cloche hats, sleeveless tubular dresses with fringes/pleats/slits/feathers, long strings of pearls/beads, bobbed hair, flesh-colored stockings, kitten heels, red lips/dark eyes, fascinators, feather boas, headbands
- men: black tailcoats with white waistcoats, bow ties, gloves
Entertainment:
- gambling stations with poker, roulette, and blackjack tables
- dance contests
- croquet
- gangster murder mystery
- charades
- silent movie playing in the background
